In each facility we teach two, 10-week semesters during the course of the year. Classes are 2 hours in duration and include a lesson, taking photos, editing work and reviewing photos from last class. In addition to the hands-on training from instructors, students receive assignments to promote  self-directed learning. To promote teamwork and peer learning, we encourage the students to work together and assist each other to achieve desired outcomes in their photos.

Classes are comprised of no more than eight students. If there is space available, we offer returning students a chance to mentor their peers. This peer coaching has been effective in advancing the skills of second time students and reinforcing the idea of students working together to achieve a common goal.

The detention facilities provide space in which the classes are taught. All classes are done on-site with staff supervision. Generous support from New Mexico Children, Youth and Family Department has provided funding for us to use for  equipment and supplies to teach the classes.

Each class begins with a Photography Knowledge Assessment and ends with a brief exam to test their retention of what they have learned. Class discussions, reviews and assignment completion all lead to a Certificate of Achievement along with a final portfolio consisting of 6 printed images, a CD of their complete work that semester and a DVD of each students final portfolio images.  Students are able to take these portfolios with them when they are released from the facility. Oftentimes they are used when they go up before their parole or review board as an example of their accomplishments.

All students questions are regarded with equal measure and they are encouraged to experiment, make mistakes, learn from their mistakes and move on. The parallels of photography and life are frequently reiterated and thus we end up with our class mantra, “You have the ability to change the outcome”.